What questions should I ask as an investigator?

Question

I've started a new job as a Security Officer and I've had to do some investigations already. However, as I start to write my report I realize I didn't get all the information I should have (for example I forgot to ask when the incident reported actually took place or if anything was damaged from a leak in the ceiling of a store). I realize afterwards that these are pretty obvious questions that I simply didn't think of asking.

Does anyone know helpful sites that would be related to this field or have tips of what to remember when investigating something?

Thanks!

Answer 1

WHY NOT MAKE A FORMAT OR READY QUESTIONAIRE in your computer in microsoft word, and keeping them when incident like these one happen. So when you meet the person involved face to face all you have to do is read your previous prepared questionaire and put check on them or remarks whatever the person tell you he saw or do.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GO TO WEBSITE and browse, the website couldn't help you either in these case, this is a case to case basis. Make a list of questions you frequently asked or forgot to ask in every investigation. Picture the questions in your mind, put your place in the other persons shoes in order to have a clear answers and questions concerning investigation. ARE YOU NEW TO THIS  KIND OF JOB? If yes then asked the veterans or people who have excessive experience about this for pointers you may need. DON'T RELY on present technology like website, asked the REAL PEOPLE for REAL ANSWERS.

Answer 2

If you miss it, wing it.

Answer 3

Try writing these questions on the back side of the cover to your notebook before hand, so that you can use them as a quick reference to double check yourself.  If you don't have a notebook, get one.  It will be your best friend when writing reports.  If you are married or have a significant other, ask him/her to pretend to be a complainant.  Try asking him/her things that you would normally ask a complainant.  Ask him/her if your questions sound relevant and intelligent.  Remember that complainants are regular people that are not usually law enforcement/security minded.  Therefor, you have to ask all of the questions.  They don't know what kind of things that you need to know during an investigation, so they don't volunteer much information.  I hope this is helpful.  Good luck!

Answer 4

30 years as a police officer have taught me to always answer these questions in any report:

Who

What

When

Where

Why

How

You get that info, you'll have a complete report.

Answer 5

Who, what, where, when, and how. The why, can be more difficult to get to.

Answer 6

If you have access to a computer do this. Type up your own pre- investigation report form.  Officers have their own investigation report form but before I became an officer I worked for security myself as an CPO.  Included what we call the special six ! WHO,WHAT,WHEN,WHERE,WHY, and HOW. Answer these six question on every report and you will make yourself noticed by the boss ! Make room at the bottom of your pre-investigation form for your notes. This way you can make notes what was stated by the person or subjects you question. Also adding what you think at the time of the subject you questioned. Remember to make copies of a good draft so you can leave yourself room for errors. Errors will occur, even the best make mistakes! If you have your own computer save the draft, this way if you wish to change something later you can.  Good Luck, Hope this was helpfull !